Len has devoted his time and extensive talents as a master craftsman at Springer’s Point since the Preserve opened in 2004. In the first few years the Preserve was open, Len volunteered as the Preserve Steward. Since that time, Len worked under contract with the Coastal Land Trust.

“The Coastal Land Trust has been incredibly fortunate that Len chose Springer’s Point Preserve as a focal point of his time, energy, and artistic vision through the years,” said Coastal Land Trust’s Lee Leidy. Len’s handiwork is evident and in high demand throughout Ocracoke, but nowhere is it more evident that at Springer’s Point Preserve. The beauty of Len’s work is that it is perfect and harmonious; it ties in beautifully and naturally with the surroundings at Springer’s Point. “I am not sure how you can improve on the beauty of Springer’s Point, but Len does it flawlessly,” said Leidy. From a hand-hewn raccoon standing guard at a sentinel live oak to driftwood fences adorned with shells, Len takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary.

The Springer's Point sentinel raccoon, carved by Len Skinner, under a blanket of snow.

Photo by Lena O'Neal, courtesy of NCCLT

As a next chapter, Len is turning his attention and talents to restoring a lovely farm house and former tobacco farm in Martin County. As the ideal steward, we know that Len will leave this property in much better condition than he found it. Join us in extending a huge thank you and a warm farewell to Len. We wish him well, and we will miss him!

Editor's note: Len, and his partner, Robin, have started an Etsy shop to showcase and sell Len's carved animals. Check it out here! Len was the creator of the Ocracoke School dolphin mascot in the school's flag circle.